I collect CDVs (Cartes de Visite) which basically are photographs taken between 1854 and the 1880s. I'm particulary interested in Civil War era photographs. I love the formality of these early photos, the elaborate gowns the women wore, the hairstyles and accessories (hats, gloves, jewellery, books, etc) and the stiff poses of individuals. Each CDV is a moment in time, captured on film forever.

Today I want to contrast that 1858 photo with a recent photo of two siblings. This photo was not posed in a studio, it was taken outdoors in 2007 on the first day of school. Because it is recent I'm not going to reveal the subjects' names.

The clothes obviously are quite different from 1858! But what strikes me is their little faces. Little sister leans her head spontaneously on big brother's shoulder and gives a loving smile. Look at big brother's half-smirk, slightly embarrassed, as if saying "Ho-hum.... Here we go again....".

He is protective big brother, she is adoring little sister. It's one of my favourite modern photographs of all.

I've nominated you for the Kreativ Blogger award - stop by my blog site to pick up your award. Thanx for all the great advise and suggestions.The rules are fairly simple:1. Copy the award to your site. 2. Link to the person from whom you received the award. 3. Nominate 7 other bloggers. 4. Link to those sites on your blog. 5. Leave a message on the blogs you nominate

New!

Death Finds a Way: A Janie Riley Mystery by Lorine McGinnis SchulzeJanie Riley is an avid genealogist with a habit of stumbling on to dead bodies. She and her husband head to Salt Lake City Utah to research Janie's elusive 4th great-grandmother. But her search into the past leads her to a dark secret. Can she solve the mysteries of the past and the present before disaster strikes?

I'm an incurable collector of
antiques, an avid genealogist and a messy but creative cook! I blog, i write history and genealogy books. My main genealogy website is Olive Tree Genealogy http://olivetreegenealogy.com/

Lorine is the author of many published genealogical and historical
articles and books available at
http://LorineSchulze.com